Since Henri Nestlé first developed his successful infant cereal “Farine Lactée”, we have built our business on the conviction that to have long-term success for our shareholders, we not only have to comply with all applicable legal requirements and ensure that all our activities are sustainable, but additionally we have to create significant value for society.

The latest version of our Corporate Business Principles, updated in June 2010, has been handed over to our employees around the world and accompanied by basic learning and training tools.

Since 2011, a systematic and comprehensive modular training programme is being rolled out on the various components of the Corporate Business Principles. The depth and focus of the trainings is established in accordance with the materiality for the different functions within the company. For example, in 2011 the first step of the training on the human rights components focused on managers and employees in countries of higher human rights risks as a priority. In 2012, major efforts will be on training programs related to Management and Leadership, Conditions of Work and Employment and Compliance.

Our Corporate Business Principles will continue to evolve and adapt to a changing world, our basic foundation is unchanged from the time of the origins of our Company, and reflects the basic ideas of fairness, honesty, and a general concern for people.

Nestlé is committed to the following Business Principles in all countries, taking into account local legislation, cultural and religious practices:

1. Nutrition, Health and Wellness

Our core aim is to enhance the quality of consumers lives every day, everywhere by offering tastier and healthier food and beverage choices and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. We express this via our corporate proposition 'Good Food, Good Life'. Nestlé Nutritional Profiling System (pdf, 524 Kb)

4. Human rights in our business activities

We fully support the United Nations Global Compact’s (UNGC) guiding principles on human rights and labour and aim to provide an example of good human rights’ and labour practices throughout our business activities. International Labour Organisation

7. Supplier and customer relations

We require our suppliers, agents, subcontractors and their employees to demonstrate honesty, integrity and fairness, and to adhere to our non-negotiable standards. In the same way, we are committed towards our own customers. Nestlé Supplier Code (pdf, 1 Mb)

9. Environmental sustainability

We commit ourselves to environmentally sustainable business practices. At all stages of the product life cycle we strive to use natural resources efficiently, favour the use of sustainably-managed renewable resources, and target zero waste. Nestlé Policy on Environmental Sustainability (pdf, 349 Kb)

10. Water

We are committed to the sustainable use of water and continuous improvement in water management. We recognise that the world faces a growing water challenge and that responsible management of the world’s resources by all water users is an absolute necessity. Nestlé’s commitment to Water, Creating Shared Value.

Nestlé continues to maintain its commitment to follow and respect all applicable local laws in each of its markets.